After a long hiatus, Xiaomi's experimental MIX smartphone series appears poised for a dramatic return. The latest leaks suggest the upcoming MIX 5 could be a technological showcase, potentially featuring a key innovation that has eluded the industry for years: a fully hidden, under-display 3D facial recognition system. If the rumors hold, Xiaomi might not only revive its flagship concept line but also leapfrog competitors like Apple in bringing this seamless biometric technology to consumers.
The Long-Awaited Return of the MIX Series
The Xiaomi MIX series, last updated with the MIX 4 in August 2021, has been dormant for over four years. The MIX 4 itself was a bold experiment, introducing Xiaomi's first under-display camera and a sleek ceramic unibody design. While it pushed boundaries, the front-facing camera's performance was notably compromised by the technological limitations of hiding a sensor beneath the screen. The series' silence since then has led many to wonder about its future, making the sudden resurgence of rumors around a MIX 5 particularly intriguing for tech enthusiasts.
Rumored Xiaomi MIX 5 Features vs. Predecessor (MIX 4)
| Feature | Xiaomi MIX 4 (Released Aug 2021) | Rumored Xiaomi MIX 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Front Camera | Under-display 20MP (noted performance issues) | Under-display camera with 3D facial recognition |
| Biometrics | Standard 2D face unlock / In-display fingerprint | Under-display 3D face unlock (Secure facial mapping) |
| Front Design | Single under-display camera, no notch | Potentially completely seamless front with hidden 3D sensors |
| Display | 6.67-inch AMOLED | Rumored "quad-curved" display |
| Key Innovation | First Xiaomi under-display camera, ceramic unibody | First commercial under-display 3D face recognition system |
| Status | Released | In development / Rumored for 2026 launch |
The Core Innovation: Under-Display 3D Face Unlock
The most compelling rumor surrounding the MIX 5 centers on its front-facing technology. According to multiple tipsters, including the well-known leaker Digital Chat Station, the device is in development with an under-display front camera. More significantly, another source, Smart Pikachu, has specifically hinted that an "Explorer Edition" model—widely believed to be the MIX 5—will incorporate under-display 3D facial recognition. This technology represents the final frontier for achieving a truly uninterrupted, all-screen smartphone front. Current implementations from Apple and others require a visible cutout or notch to house the complex dot projector and infrared camera needed for secure 3D face mapping. Successfully hiding these components would be a major engineering feat.
Reported Source Timeline for MIX 5 Rumors (as of Dec 31, 2025)
- Digital Chat Station (Tipster): Mentioned an unnamed manufacturer working on a phone with a quad-curved display and under-display front camera. The community strongly linked this to the MIX 5.
- Smart Pikachu (Tipster): Later hinted that an upcoming Xiaomi "Explorer Edition" phone would feature under-display 3D facial recognition, further solidifying the MIX 5 connection.
- Context: The MIX series has not seen a new release since the MIX 4 in August 2021, making these rumors after a 4+ year gap particularly notable.
A Potential Race Against Apple
The timing of these rumors adds a competitive layer to the story. Reports suggest the Xiaomi MIX 5 could debut ahead of Apple's iPhone 18 series, which is expected in the latter half of 2026. Apple has long been rumored to be working on under-display Face ID technology for its iPhones. If Xiaomi manages to launch the MIX 5 first, it would mark a significant coup, allowing the Chinese manufacturer to claim the title of the first to commercialize this technology in a mass-market device. This potential launch window points to a possible unveiling at an event like Lei Jun's annual keynote, a platform Xiaomi reserves for its most important product announcements.
Beyond the Camera: Design and Display Hints
While the under-display camera system is the headline feature, other details have begun to surface. Leaks also point to the MIX 5 sporting a "quad-curved" display, which would mean all four edges of the screen gently curve into the frame. This design language aims to maximize screen real estate and provide an immersive, edge-to-edge viewing experience. It complements the goal of a seamless front panel, further reducing any visual distractions or bezels. However, concrete specifications regarding the chipset, battery, rear camera system, or pricing remain entirely speculative at this early stage.
The Significance and Remaining Questions
The revival of the MIX 5, should it come to pass, signals Xiaomi's continued commitment to its role as an innovator in smartphone design. The MIX series has historically served as a testbed for future technologies, and a device featuring under-display 3D recognition would certainly fit that mold. The key questions that remain unanswered are about practical implementation. How will the hidden sensors perform in terms of speed and accuracy compared to traditional notched systems? Will there be trade-offs in image quality for the selfie camera? And ultimately, when will Xiaomi officially pull back the curtain? For now, the tech world watches and waits, anticipating whether the next chapter in smartphone design will be written by Xiaomi.